Home

Don't risk your security deposit

By Helene Lesel, Wednesday, July 16, 2008.

Q: I'm planning to move into a new place next week and the landlord is taking a hefty deposit. Any suggestions on getting it back when I move?

A: Deposits are always a concern for renters, especially with higher rents raising the bar on deposits. To ensure that your monies are returned, it's important to know what to do before, during and at the close of the tenancy to safeguard your investment.  more...

Making repairs shouldn't be tenant's job

By Robert Griswold, Wednesday, July 16, 2008.

Q: I have four small rental homes that are older and are really starting to show signs of wear and tear. I am constantly receiving calls from my tenants about something that is broken or needs to be replaced. This is getting expensive and is cutting into my cash flow that I need to pay my own living expenses.  more...

Consumers don't want to be 'captured'

By Teresa Boardman, Wednesday, July 16, 2008.

There are plenty of Web sites out there that have free home searches on them. Some of the sites mention "free" more than once. I have been doing some research, and I am not finding any sites where I am expected to pay money to search for homes. I wonder why so many sites use the words "free home search." Is it someone's idea of transparency?  more...